DoT asks mobile makers to switch to C-DoT-operated IMEI system

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked the mobile phone makers to replace the Mobile Standard Alliance of India (MSAI)-operated International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI system with that developed in-house by a state-owned firm.

“The government has decided to replace the MSAI-operated system and hence, a new Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction (ICDR) system has been developed by the Centre of Development of Telematics (C-DoT) for implementing the standard operating procedure (SOP),” the department in a notification Tuesday said.

Last year, the government launched a Web portal based for the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), a database of unique numbers for mobile devices to trace lost or stolen mobile phones.

The unique number can track any handset from which the call originated in case of any suspicious activity, with its help device can be blocked, and is primarily used trace lost phones.

“The new system has been operationalised on pilot basis which can be accessed through Website for registration and generation of IMEI certificates by following due procedure for import of mobile phones in India, the government added.

Since 2015, the system has been operated and maintained by MSAI, erstwhile reporting body of London-based GSMA, to prohibit the import of mobile phones with duplicate, fake and non-genuine IMEI.

Meanwhile, DoT has also informed its new move to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Earlier, Delhi-based The Mobile Association (TMA) has said that the department should not adopt a conservative rudimentary approach but rather a more collaborative engagement that can easily help the government foresee national security goals.